February/March issue no. 229
July 2013 issue no. 236


On Sale: May 28, 2013
Subscribers should receive this issue by May 21.

On the Cover:
Build an heirloom garden shed

Kitchens & Baths:
Read the issue online.




Articles
Page
MASTER CARPENTER: BUILD A FLOATING VANITY
by Nancy Hiller
A modern cherry cabinet supports a heavy counter while levitating above the bath floor

40
DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS FOR ENERGY-MINDED REMODELERS
by Don Jackson
Applying building science in the field can help to deliver safer, healthier, and more energy-efficient projects

47
DECK FOOTINGS DONE RIGHT
by Mike Guertin
They’re no fun to dig, but that’s no excuse for digging them wrong

52
BUILD AN HEIRLOOM GARDEN SHED
by Justin Fink
Anything but typical, this handsome outbuilding can be built by one person in about a week

54
THE WATER HEATER PAYOFF
by Martin Holladay
An expensive water heater may be efficient, but will it save enough energy to justify the purchase price?

62
SURGICAL KITCHEN REMODEL
by David Getts
How to modernize a kitchen while preserving the components

66
RANCH TRANSFOREMED, EFFICIENCY ACHIEVED
by Jesse Thompson
An architect rebuilds a midcentury wreck into a stylish, energy-smart home for $90 per sq. ft.

72
INSTALL A BAY WINDOW
by Rick Arnold
Part 2: With the roof built, it’s time to tackle the installation

77


Departments

Page

CONTRIBUTORS

10
LETTERS

12
HOW IT WORKS
Radiant Barriers

18
TIPS & TECHNIQUES
An Easy Way to Bisect an Angle
Working with Big Pieces of Laminate
Minimize Workbench Cord Tangles
A Self-Anchoring Sharpening-Stone Station
Job-Site Recycling
Tape-Measure Note Pad
New Life for Tired Hook-and-Loop Straps
A Neat Way to Wipe Up Paint
An Alternative to Railroad-Tie Shoring
Custom Knife Simplifies Drywall Work
Propane-Torch Caddy

22
TOOLS & MATERIALS
Hitachi NR90A3 Framing Nailer
TVM Building Products Twisted Top
Endura Products Z-Articulating Cap Sill
Keen.Welt Heavy-Duty Work Boots
Festool TS 55 REQ Track Saw

28
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
Tubular Dead Bolts and Rim Locks

36
PROJECT GALLERY
Show Us Your Fireplace

82
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS SPOTLIGHT
Is There a Chance For Condensation in Double-Stud Walls?

84
ENERGY-SMART DETAILS
Second-Story Balconies

86
BUILDING SKILLS
Running Electrical Cable

88
GBA INSIDER
Retrofitting Basement Insulation
Seattle Net-Zero Home

92
DRAWING BOARD
Bay Windows that Belong

96
TAILGATE
Tedd Benson, Builder

100
FINISHING TOUCH
A Treehouse That's For the Birds

102